Crochet: New Socks & Fabulous Yarn

{06.03.18}

Hello! It’s finally stopped snowing here so normality has resumed. We always seem totally unprepared for snow down in the south and even though the snow thawed two days ago I have yet to find a loaf of bread on the shelves of the supermarket (although strangely we have hot crossed buns!).

Anyway, now that the children are back at school I can tell you all about my new crochet socks. Yes socks! Buoyed on from the success of the Simmerdei socks I am now the proud owner of TWO pairs of handmade socks…

I find that sometimes projects come about in a most a serendipitous way. That is exactly how these socks occurred. I received an email from The Fibre Co who told me that they were really keen to see more makers in the crochet world working with their yarn (Yipeeeee!). They had just launched their first crochet design (a very lovely poncho) and felt that their Luma yarn (a blend of 50% Merino wool, 25% organic cotton, 15% linen and 10% silk blend) worked really well in crochet designs.

I popped over to their website to see what they were about. I was so impressed by not only their beautiful website but the whole ethos of the company, which is creating yarns with natural fibres in the most sustainable way and encouraging and promoting creativity.

‘Oh yes please’ I said ‘I would love to try your yarn!’ Anyway a few days later a little parcel of Luma yarn arrived at my door. I’ve copied the description from the website for you as their words describe it far more elegantly than I ever could:

‘A classic DK weight yarn, Luma is inspired by the mood and light found in mid-latitude savannas—those grassland ecosystems with open canopies allowing plenty of sunlight, is best handled with a layered approach to clothing. Plant-based fibres mixed with silk and wool provide a built-in layer of warmth in winter yet lightness when required in warmer temperatures. The Luma palette includes soft neutrals and bright shades of pink, blue and green.’

At the same time I was wondering what to do with my 50g skeins I bought the latest copy of Simply Crochet magazine (issue 68) as I had fallen for a ruffle jumper I’d seen in the preview. Now, a jumper is not a project to be entered into lightly, in my eyes, but one that will take preparation and pondering...but in the same series were the most adorable ruffled socks by Fran Morgan. The minute I saw them I knew they would be perfect for that wonderfully soft Luma

And there you have it; a weekend later I was the owner of some gorgeous ruffled socks. The pattern was beautiful and simple. I would definitely recommended it if you are new to crocheting socks as it’s worked with an afterthought heel, meaning you work the WHOLE sock from the toe up to the ruffle then add the heel. I REALLY enjoyed this method.

And that Luma yarn…Perfect in every way. The stitch definition was brilliant, it was soft and luxurious and the colours were beautiful. I will definitely be looking to purchase more of their yarn. The shades I used in my socks are Blanca (lum280) and Aegean (lum090) and I could not be happier with them.

The Fibre Co also very kindly sent me a discount code to share so if you would like to try one of their patterns you can get 30% off any pattern (crochet or knit) in their Ravelry store by using the code: lululoveswhich will be valid until 1st April 2018

I’m also giving away a skein of the Luma yarn in my latest YouTube Podcast, along with lots of other treats to celebrate reaching 1000 subscribers. So if you’d like the chance to win a skein pop over and have a watch (my ruffle socks are also featured!)

Giveaway Goodies:

Gosh I realize that was a rather long post but you know these days I get VERY excited about yarn!

Bye for now. Em xx

P.s I was sent the Luma to try for free, but I was under no obligation to write about or show the yarn and have received no compensation for doing so. All opinions, as always, are my own.